DocDrew’s Swish Issue 1, Volume 17

Welcome to the first issue of volume seventeen of Swish, a periodical with recaps and photos of Santa Monica Family YMCA youth basketball games, and other pertinent info such as announcements and updates from the program.

This Fall season, the Santa Monica Family YMCA has 5 divisions of youth basketball, with the Copper division having 3 teams, the Bronze, Silver, and Gold division with 6 teams each, and the  Platinum division with 4 teams.

We are a coed league with players that are ages 5 to 15.  Our emphasis is that we are a developmental league, and we want the kids to not only enjoy playing youth sports, but to benefit from the three principles of the YMCA:

Youth Development, Social Responsibility, and Healthy Living.

We are partnered with the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation which provides jerseys, grants, and clinics to help develop our youth.  We are ever grateful for their support of our program.  Many thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation:  Kiesha Nix, Richard Harris, and Jeanie Buss for helping us become the premier youth basketball program on the Westside.  Many thanks to UCLA Health for sponsoring the Junior Lakers jerseys.

For the theme of this season’s team names, I’m getting nostalgic as I always do with my birthday during the autumn season, and the teams are names or nicknames of musical artists or groups that influenced me when I was the same age as the children that are currently participating in our basketball league.  It’s a good history of music for parents and their kids to learn about, and perhaps listen to and enjoy.

Special thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation for putting on a clinic for our younger players, as they were taught valuable skills, drills, and life lessons from legendary coach Daryl Roper and Axiom Events coordinator Joshua Barton and his staff.  The kids had an experience that they will never forget.

SAT 6/20/24 Scrimmage Day

All teams had a scrimmage on this day, and new players received their Junior Lakers jersey.  Coaches were forced to be referees to not only help their players, but learned to have sympathy for the real referees when it comes to the regular season.

Copper 

Three teams did a round robin with each other, in order to get more familiar with game play.

Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The core lineup of the band comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are widely regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the development of 1960s counterculture and the recognition of popular music as an art form.

2023-24 Referee of the Year, Brayden Stoll will be getting a “Ticket to Ride” in the Copper division, as he will guide the youth in our youngest division.

Ants

Stuart Leslie Goddard, known professionally as Adam Ant (born 3 November 1954) is an English singer, musician, and actor. He gained popularity as the lead singer of new wave group Adam and the Ants and later as a solo artist, scoring 10 UK top ten hits from 1980 to 1983, including three UK No. 1 singles.  Ant began his musical career playing bass in the band Bazooka Joe. From 1977 to 1982 he performed with Adam and the Ants. Their debut album Dirk Wears White Sox (1979) reached number one on the UK Independent Albums Chart.  In 1982, he began a solo career.  His first solo album was Friend or Foe (1982), from which the debut single “Goody Two Shoes” reached number one in the UK and Australia in 1982, and became his first top 20 hit in the United States on the Billboard Hot 100. The album reached number five on the UK Albums Chart and number 16 on the US Billboard 200 album chart, becoming his most successful solo album.

Coach Ivan Gallegos returns with his son Aiden, as they put on their “Goody Two Shoes”, and “Stand and Deliver” to get their players to the top.

Scorpions

Scorpions are a German hard rock band formed in Hanover in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker.  Scorpions are estimated to have sold over 100 million records around the world, making them one of the best-selling hard rock and heavy metal bands.  One of their most recognized hits is “Wind of Change” (from Crazy World), a symbolic anthem of the political changes in Eastern Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s and the fall of the Berlin Wall, and it remains as one of the best-selling singles in the world with over 14 million copies. 

George Edelman with his son James will “Rock you like a Hurricane” as they take on the division.

Bronze

6 teams squared off in three scrimmages to get familiar with league play.

Suburbs

The Suburbs are an alternative punk rock/funk/new wave band from Minneapolis, Minnesota that was popular in the late 1970s and 1980s. The band frequently headlined at Minneapolis’s most influential music clubs, including Jay’s Longhorn Bar and First Avenue.  The band’s popularity increased during the early to mid-1980s, and during this time, their new wave dance sound, eclectic lyrics, and stage presence gained a following that broke out of the Midwest and reached both coasts.

“Love is the Law” as coaches Alex Wang and Bing Sheng represent the band from my hometown in MN.  They have brought along their kids Owen and Olivia Wang, and Lincoln Sheng who have a “Heart of Gold”.  I wonder if they like “Cows”?

Stardust

David Robert Jones (8 January 1947 – 10 January 2016), known professionally as David Bowie (/ˈboʊi/ BOH-ee), was an English singer, songwriter, musician and actor. Regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Bowie was acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his innovative work during the 1970s. His career was marked by reinvention and visual presentation, and his music and stagecraft has had a significant impact on popular music.  Ziggy Stardust is a fictional character created by English musician David Bowie, and was Bowie’s stage persona during 1972 and 1973.

Jodi and Justin Strock return to coach in our league, with their son Corbin. They say “Let’s Dance” in the Bronze division, as I’m sure they know when to go out, and when to go in, and will get things done and never fall for “Modern Love”.

Bosses

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Nicknamed “the Boss”, he has released 21 studio albums during a career spanning six decades, most of which feature his backing band, the E Street Band. Springsteen is a pioneer of heartland rock, combining a commercially successful rock sound with poetic and socially conscious lyrics reflecting the issues of working class American life. He is known for his descriptive lyrics and energetic concerts, which sometimes last over four hours.  One of the album era‘s most prominent musicians, Springsteen has sold more than 71 million albums in the U.S. and over 140 million worldwide, making him the 27th best-selling music artist of all time as of 2024. His accolades include 20 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award, and a Special Tony Award. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2009, was named MusiCares person of the year in 2013, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 and the National Medal of Arts in 2023. In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked Springsteen 23rd on its list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time“, describing him as “the embodiment of rock and roll”.

Rick Moncher has returned to coaching in our league, and has brought his talented son Kiki who was “Born in the U.S.A., as they look for “Glory Days” in the division.

Cars

The Cars were an American rock band formed in Boston in 1976. Emerging from the new wave scene in the late 1970s, they consisted of Ric Ocasek (rhythm guitar), Benjamin Orr (bass guitar), Elliot Easton (lead guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards), and David Robinson (drums). Ocasek and Orr shared lead vocals, and Ocasek was the band’s principal songwriter and leader.  The Cars were at the forefront of the merger of 1970s guitar-oriented rock with the new synthesizer-oriented pop that became popular in the early 1980s.  The Cars were named Best New Artist in the 1978 Rolling Stone Readers’ Poll. The band’s debut album, The Cars, sold six million copies and appeared on the Billboard 200 album chart for 139 weeks. The Cars had four Top 10 hits: “Shake It Up” (1981), “You Might Think” (1984), “Drive” (1984), and “Tonight She Comes” (1985). The band won Video of the Year for “You Might Think” at the first MTV Video Music Awards in 1984.  

Brad Wolf has returned for another season of coaching, and he and his son Alexander look to let the “Good Times Roll”, as they say “Let’s Go”.

Vans

Van Halen was an American rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1973. Credited with restoring hard rock to the forefront of the music scene, Van Halen was known for their energetic live performances and for the virtuosity of its guitarist, Eddie Van Halen. From 1974 to 1985, Van Halen consisted of Eddie Van Halen, his brother, drummer Alex Van Halen, lead vocalist David Lee Roth, and bassist Michael Anthony.  By the early 1980s, Van Halen was among the most commercially successful rock acts. The album 1984, released in the eponymous year, was a commercial success with U.S. sales of 10 million copies and four successful singles.The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and the band has sold 56 million albums in the U.S. and more than 80 million worldwide, making them one of the best-selling groups of all time.  

Coach Phil Volken has come back with the exact same ten players as the season before, which is a first ever in our program.  With his son Phoenix, they will “Dance the Night Away” as they try to “Jump” to the top of the division.

Runaways

The Runaways were an American rock band who recorded and performed from 1975 to 1979. Formed in 1975 in Los Angeles, the band released four studio albums and one live album during its run. Among their best-known songs are “Cherry Bomb“, “Hollywood“, “Queens of Noise” and a cover version of the Velvet Underground‘s “Rock & Roll“. Never a major success in the United States, the Runaways became a sensation overseas, especially in Japan, thanks to the single “Cherry Bomb”.  The band toured the U.S. in support of headlining groups such as Cheap Trick, Van Halen, Talking Heads, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.  The band’s lineup was: Cherie Currie, lead vocals and keyboards, Joan Jett, rhythm guitar and vocals, Lita Ford, lead guitar, Jackie Fox, bass guitar and vocals, Sandy West, drums and vocals.  Jett and Ford both went on to achieve substantial success as solo artists in the 1980s. Currie went on to a briefly successful career as an actress, appearing in “Foxes” with Jodie Foster, before falling into heavy drug use. She later recovered and wrote an autobiography, “Neon Angel”. West continued with music, sometimes playing with her former bandmates. Fox went to UCLA and Harvard Law School and became an entertainment attorney.  

Faisal Rashid and Misbah Moten have returned to coach in the division, as their talented son Zayden will drop the “Cherry Bomb” on their opponents in a “Heartbeat”

Silver

Three scrimmages featured the six teams in the division.

Rocketmen

Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is a British singer, songwriter and pianist. Acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his work during the 1970s, his music and showmanship have had a significant, lasting impact on the music industry.  John has had more than fifty top-40 hits on the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including nine number ones in both countries, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the US.  He has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.  He is the most successful solo artist in the history of the US Billboard charts.

Bing Sheng says “I’m still standing” as he does double duty as he now coaches with his older son Elliot playing.  Bing has also recruited the help of Johnny Hong with his son Josiah on the team, as they do the “Crocodile Rock”.

Police

The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977.  Within a few months of their first gig, the line-up settled as Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar, primary songwriter), Andy Summers (guitar) and Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion), and this remained unchanged for the rest of the band’s history. The Police became globally popular from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. Emerging in the British new wave scene, they played a style of rock influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz.  The Police have sold over 75 million records, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.  The band won a number of music awards, including six Grammy Awards, two Brit Awards—winning Best British Group once, and an MTV Video Music Award. In 2003, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Kelly Roberts returns to coach with his daughter Alice on the team, as they do the “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” and will be “Walking on the Moon”, along with coach Eugene Travnikoff and his daughter Cetine, and they will watch “Every Breath You Take”.

Clash

The Clash were an English rock band that formed in London in 1976 and were key players in the original wave of British punk rock. Billed as “The Only Band That Matters”, they used elements of reggae, dub, funk, ska, and rockabilly, and they contributed to the post-punk and new wave movements that followed punk. For most of their recording career, the Clash consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer, lead guitarist and vocalist Mick Jones, bassist Paul Simonon, and drummer Nicky “Topper” Headon.  In January 2003, shortly after the death of Joe Strummer, the band, including original drummer Terry Chimes, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked the Clash number 28 on its list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”

Ben Ketai and his son Jonas will “Rock the Casbah” as “London calling” has had them return to conquer the Silver division.

Madness

Madness are an English ska and pop band from Camden Town, north west London, who formed in 1976. One of the most prominent bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s two-tone ska revival, they continue to perform with six of the seven members of their original line-up.  Madness’s most successful period was from 1980 to 1986, when the band’s songs spent a total of 214 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, holding the record along with English reggae group UB40 for most weeks spent by a group in the UK singles chart during the 1980s.  Madness have had 16 singles reach the UK top ten, including “One Step Beyond“, “Baggy Trousers” and “It Must Be Love“, one UK number-one single “House of Fun” and two number ones in Ireland, “House of Fun” and “Wings of a Dove“. “Our House” was their biggest US hit, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2000, the band received the Ivor Novello Award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors for Outstanding Song Collection.

It is “One Step and Beyond” as coach Ali Safavi with his son Saum on the team, and coach Nicholas Walker join forces to make everyone play in “Our House”.  

Specials

The Specials, also known as The Special AKA, were an English 2 tone and ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry.  After some early changes, the first stable lineup of the group consisted of Terry Hall and Neville Staple on vocals, Jerry Dammers on keyboards, Lynval Golding and Roddy Radiation on guitars, Horace Panter on bass, John Bradbury on drums, and Dick Cuthell and Rico Rodriguez on horns. The band wore mod-style “1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits and loafers)”.  Their music combines the danceable rhythms of ska and rocksteady with the energy and attitude of punk.  Lyrically, their work (often written by primary songwriter Dammers) presented overt political and social commentary.  In 1980, their The Special AKA Live! EP, featuring lead track “Too Much Too Young”, reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.  In 1981, the recession-themed single “Ghost Town” also hit No. 1 in the UK.

“You Wondering Now” who will manage these “Too Much, Too Young” players, but Tom Casarella will not turn it into a “Ghost Town”, as he brings his sons Hugo and Billy up to the next division.

Mercury

Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1970 by Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), and Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), later joined by John Deacon (bass). Their earliest works were influenced by progressive rock, hard rock and heavy metal, but the band gradually ventured into more conventional and radio-friendly works by incorporating further styles, such as arena rock and pop rock.  Queen were one of the biggest stadium rock bands in the world. “Another One Bites the Dust” from The Game (1980) became their best-selling single, while their 1981 compilation album Greatest Hits is the best-selling album in the UK and is certified nine times platinum in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Their performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert is ranked among the greatest in rock history by various publications. In August 1986, Mercury gave his last performance with Queen at Knebworth, England.  Queen have been a global presence in popular culture for more than half a century. Estimates of their record sales range from 250 million to 300 million, making them one of the world’s best-selling music artists.

Coach Noah Verleun with his son Soren won’t be “Under Pressure” and look to say “We Will Rock You” and hopefully say “We are the Champions”

Gold 

6 teams had a scrimmage against one of their division rivals.

Styx

Styx is an American rock band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1972. They are known for blending melodic hard rock guitar with acoustic guitar, synthesizers mixed with acoustic piano, upbeat tracks with power ballads, and incorporating elements of international musical theatre. The band established themselves with a progressive rock sound during the 1970s, and began to incorporate pop rock and soft rock elements in the 1980s.  Overall, Styx had eight songs that hit the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, as well as 16 top 40 singles. Seven of their eight top 10 singles were written and sung by founding member and lead singer Dennis DeYoung, who has not been part of the band since 1999. Styx sold over 20 million records for A&M between their signing in 1975 and 1984.

Brody Patterson has moved up to coach in the Gold division, but it isn’t if he has “Too Much Time on My Hands”, as he will install the “Blue Collar Man” style of play, as they ask you to “Come Sail Away”.

Wailers

Robert Nesta Marley OM (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981) was a Jamaican singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Considered one of the pioneers of reggae, he fused elements of reggae, ska and rocksteady and was renowned for his distinctive vocal and songwriting style.  Marley increased the visibility of Jamaican music worldwide and made him a global figure in popular culture.  He became known as a Rastafarian icon, and he infused his music with a sense of spirituality.  Marley is also considered a global symbol of Jamaican music and culture and identity and was controversial in his outspoken support for democratic social reforms. Born in Nine Mile, Jamaica, Marley began his career in 1963, after forming the group Teenagers with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, which became the Wailers.  The greatest hits album Legend was released in 1984 and became the best-selling reggae album of all time.  Marley also ranks as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of more than 75 million records worldwide.  He was posthumously honored by Jamaica soon after his death with a designated Order of Merit by his nation. In 1994, Marley was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone ranked him No. 11 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Fresh off an exciting championship last season, coach DJ Jacobs with his son Buck, and coach Keith Muenze with his son Leon, will all be “One Love’ as they be “Jamming” to get another championship.

Heartbreakers

Thomas Earl Petty (October 20, 1950 – October 2, 2017) was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was the leader and frontman of the rock bands Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch and a member of the late 1980s supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. He was also a successful solo artist. Over the course of his career, Petty sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.  His hit singles with the Heartbreakers include “American Girl” (1976), “Don’t Do Me Like That” (1979), “Refugee” (1980), “The Waiting” (1981), “Don’t Come Around Here No More” (1985) and “Learning to Fly” (1991).  Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Petty was honored as MusiCares Person of the Year in February 2017 for his contributions to music and for his philanthropy.

Coach Eugene Travnikoff with his son Auden will each say “I Won’t Back Down”  as they are “Running Down a Dream” and “Learning to Fly” to the top of the division.

Pretenders

The Pretenders are a British-American rock band formed in March 1978. The original band consisted of founder and main songwriter Chrissie Hynde (lead vocals, rhythm guitar)(born September 7, 1951), James Honeyman-Scott (lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards), Pete Farndon (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Martin Chambers (drums, backing vocals, percussion). Following the deaths of Honeyman-Scott in 1982 and Farndon in 1983, the band experienced numerous personnel changes; Hynde has been the band’s only consistent member. The band’s hit songs include “Kid” (1979), “Brass in Pocket” (1979), “Talk of the Town” (1980), “Message of Love” (1981), “My City Was Gone” (1982), “Back on the Chain Gang” (1982), “Middle of the Road” (1983), “2000 Miles” (1983), “Don’t Get Me Wrong” (1986), “My Baby” (1986) and “I’ll Stand by You” (1994). The Pretenders were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.

Coaches Nicholas Walker and Jennifer Lynn have “Brass in Pocket”, as they lead their squad of talented players which includes Jennifer’s son Oliver, as they are all “Back on the Chain Gang”, and look to be the “Talk of the Town”.

Leppards

Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in Sheffield in 1976. Since 1992, the band has consisted of Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals), Joe Elliott (lead vocals), Rick Allen (drums), Phil Collen (guitar, backing vocals), and Vivian Campbell (guitar, backing vocals). They established themselves as part of the new wave of British heavy metal of the early 1980s. Their greatest commercial success came between the early 1980s and mid–1990s.  As one of the world’s best-selling music artists, Def Leppard have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and have two albums with RIAA diamond certification: Pyromania and Hysteria, making them one of only five rock bands with two original studio albums selling more than 10 million copies in the US.  The band were ranked No. 31 in VH1‘s “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock” and No. 70 in “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”.  They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.

Coach Arash Yaghoubzadeh and his sons Leo and Ocean look to create “Rock of Ages” as they put their opponents into “Hysteria”.  I hope that parents watching the matches send me a “Photograph” for the next issue of Swish.

Revolution

Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016) was an American singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, record producer, and actor. The recipient of numerous awards and nominations, he is regarded as one of history’s greatest musicians.  Born and raised in Minneapolis, Prince signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records at the age of 19, soon releasing the studio albums For You (1978) and Prince (1979). He went on to achieve critical success with the influential albums Dirty Mind (1980), Controversy (1981), and 1999 (1982). His sixth album, Purple Rain (1984), was recorded with his new backing band the Revolution and was also the soundtrack to the film Purple Rain, in which he starred. The album garnered continued success for Prince and was a major commercial achievement, spending six consecutive months atop the US Billboard 200 chart.  The soundtrack also won Prince the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.  Critics have regarded Purple Rain as one of the greatest musical films.  Prince sold more than 100 million records worldwide during his lifetime, ranking him among the best-selling music artists of all time.  His awards include the Grammy President’s Merit Award, the American Music Awards for Achievement and of Merit, the Billboard Icon Award, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the U.K. Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2016, and was inducted twice into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame in 2022.  Estimates of the complete number of songs written by Prince range anywhere from 500 to well over 1,000.

“Let’s Go Crazy” because Noah Verleun and George Edelman will do double duty as each will be coaching a second team in the league.  This team has Noah’s son Linus, and George’s son Theodore.  “Purple Rain” will come down as they play, but they promise not to create too much “Controversy”.

Platinum

4 teams each played a scrimmage against another team.

Zeppelins

Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The band comprised Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass and keyboards) and John Bonham (drums). With a heavy, guitar-driven sound and drawing from influences including blues and folk music, Led Zeppelin are cited as a progenitor of hard rock and heavy metal. They significantly influenced the music industry, particularly in the development of album-oriented rock and stadium rock.  Led Zeppelin are one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated record sales of between 200 and 300 million units worldwide. They achieved eight consecutive UK number-one albums and six number-one albums on the US Billboard 200, with five of their albums certified Diamond in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Rolling Stone described them as “the heaviest band of all time”, “the biggest band of the seventies”, and “unquestionably one of the most enduring bands in rock history”.  They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995; the museum’s biography states that they were “as influential” in the 1970s as the Beatles were in the 1960s.

Beloved coach Joe Tilley returns since he has been “Going to California”, as his team will “Ramble On’, and “Rock and Roll” in the division, but with a “Whole Lotta Love”.

Aeros

Aerosmith is an American rock band formed in Boston in 1970.  The group consists of Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums), and Brad Whitford (guitar). Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has also incorporated elements of pop rock, heavy metal, glam metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many subsequent rock artists. Aerosmith is sometimes referred to as “the Bad Boys from Boston” and “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band”.  The primary songwriting team of Tyler and Perry is sometimes referred to as the “Toxic Twins“.  Aerosmith is the best-selling American hard rock band of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide, including over 85 million records in the United States.  With 25 gold, 18 platinum, and 12 multi-platinum albums, they hold the record for the most total certifications by an American group and are tied for the most multi-platinum albums by an American group. They have achieved twenty-one Top 40 hits on the US Hot 100, nine number-one Mainstream Rock hits, four Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, and ten MTV Video Music Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, and were ranked number 57 and 30, respectively, on Rolling Stone‘s and VH1’s lists of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Coach Armando Gonzalez with his son Diego return after a championship season, and look to have everyone “Walk this Way”  as they are “Livin on the Edge” but with “Sweet Emotion”.

Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. Active for over six decades, they are one of the most popular and enduring bands of the rock era. In the early 1960s, the band pioneered the gritty, rhythmically driven sound that came to define hard rock. Their first stable line-up consisted of vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards, multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones, bassist Bill Wyman, and drummer Charlie Watts.  Rooted in blues and early rock and roll, the Rolling Stones started out playing covers and were at the forefront of the British Invasion in 1964, becoming identified with the youthful counterculture of the 1960s. They then found greater success with their own material, as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction“, “Get Off of My Cloud” (both 1965), and “Paint It Black” (1966) became international number-one hits.  The Rolling Stones’ estimated record sales of more than 250 million make them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. They have won three Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004. Billboard and Rolling Stone have ranked them as one of the greatest artists of all time.

Coaches Brayden and Brent Stoll look to get “Satisfaction” as they “Start Me Up” to come to your “Emotional Rescue”.  Please allow them to introduce themselves, they are coaches of wealth and taste.

Rush

Rush was a Canadian rock band formed in Toronto in 1968 that primarily comprised Geddy Lee (vocals, bass guitar, keyboards), Alex Lifeson (guitar) and Neil Peart (drums, percussion).  Rush were known for their virtuosic musicianship, complex compositions and eclectic lyrical motifs, which drew primarily on science fiction, fantasy and philosophy. The band’s style changed over the years, from a blues-inspired hard rock beginning, later moving into progressive rock, then a period in the 1980s marked by heavy use of synthesizers, before returning to guitar-driven hard rock at the end of the 1980s.  The members of Rush have been acknowledged as some of the most proficient players on their respective instruments, with each winning numerous awards in magazine readers’ polls in various years.  As of 2022, Rush ranks 84th in the US with sales of 26 million albums, and industry sources estimate their total worldwide album sales at over 42 million. They have been awarded 14 platinum and 3 multi-platinum albums in the US, and 17 platinum albums in Canada.  Some consider Rush to be one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

This last team has special significance to us at our YMCA, because the late drummer and lyricist, Neal Peart, was a member of our facility before his passing.  In honor of him and his band, Bill Kravitz and his son Dylan will make “Time Stand Still’, and keep the “Spirit of the Radio” going as they will choose “Freewill” to stay in the “Limelight”.

Scrimmage photos

Copper division

SUN 10/13/24 WEEKEND #1

Bronze

Runaways vs Stardust

The first regular season match of the Fall season turned out to be a close contest throughout.  The Runaways ran out to the early lead as baskets were made by River Stanton, Benjamin Kapgan, and Zayden Rashid as they dropped the “Cherry Bomb”.  The Stardust got a little closer by halftime, with buckets from Theodore Rattner and Landon Schmidt as they were assisted by Sweden Walsh and Lucas Gottschalk.  The third quarter saw each team get four points as the Runaways had two field goals from Zayden Rashid with an assist from Vivienne Bond; and, the Stardust had Player of the Game-Lior Vaisburd make two buckets, and then he continued his hot shooting with three more buckets in the fourth quarter to give the Stardust the lead.  The Runaways grabbed the lead back as Adam Farghaly made key defensive rebounds to get the ball up the floor for Zayden Rashid to score the go ahead basket with a minute left.  The Stardust were able to get a basket in the final seconds, as Hana Tagami and Corbin Strock created a turnover to push the ball up to Landon Schmidt as he got the ball into the net as time would wind down, giving the Stardust the one point victory courtesy of some “Modern Love”

Cars vs Vans

The Cars struck first as they said “Let’s Go” with baskets by Anthony Alliyani and Ignacio Guzman to build a small halftime lead;  while the Vans kept pace with outside shots from Rohan Henderson and Nathan Stafford.  The second half saw the Cars get steals from Esme Chan and Matthew Alemayehu, which led to points from Hudson Hoff and Anthony Alliyani.  However, the Vans had a scoring surge as Gianna Sabine had three coast to coast drives for scores with an assist from Victor Lima Lopes, and then going down the stretch of the fourth quarter, Phoenix Volken made an outside shot from the right side, and Nathan Stafford twice found an open Rohan Henderson who scored to late baskets, not only earning “Top Jimmy” Player of the Game honors, but also giving the Vans the come from behind victory.

Bosses vs Suburbs

The Suburbs did the scoring in the first half with baskets and assists from Kostas Beer, Olivia Wang, and Player of the Game-Sora Nomoto.  The Bosses were able to get their scoring going in the second half as Adriano Rovira made two baskets in his YMCA debut, as he was assisted by Benjamin Bloom.  The Bosses showed strong defense from Canasia Backrein as she was the rebound leader for the match with her “Brilliant Disguise”.  The Suburbs went onto the victory as they continued to score with assists and points from Clara Cowan, and Owen Wang.

Silver

Clash vs Rocketmen

The Clash exploded early as they “Rock the Casbah” with multiple driving hoops from Player of the Game Lucas Alemayehu, Mateo Chan, and Jonas Ketai;  and a basket each from Otis Smith and Adeline Smith.  The Rocketmen eventually got going and had baskets from Zack Shelfogel, Elliot Sheng, and Henry Fyda to get closer by halftime.  The Rocketmen continued to score in the third quarter with baskets from Josiah Hong and Dylan Read, and teammate Killian Georgaris added another basket in the fourth quarter.  The Clash were too strong and did not ride the “Train in Vain” as Oscar Farrar nailed a deep “3”, Krsna Pathak made a floater, and Oliver Farrar converted from the free throw line to give the Clash the victory.

Silver

Police vs Madness

Too much Madness in the first half as Player of the Game-Decker Amos had multiple points and assists, teammate Saum Safavi had all his points in the first half, Rex Bulette had a couple of nice swish shots, and Ryder Range and Bodhi Petitti each had a basket as they dominated “Our House”.  The Police were able to get their scoring going as Bobby Drake made a couple of nice drives to the hoop, Alice Roberts was perfect from the free throw line, and Emma Escoto and Alden Wong made the scoring column on assists from Cetine Travnikoff.  The Madness went onto the victory as they got additional hoops from Bodhi Kothari.

Gold

Styx vs Pretenders 

The Styx had a dominant first half, as multiple points were scored from Conrad DiMauro, Siddhant Khanna, Ross Nelson, and Elliot Israels with “Too Much Time on My Hands”.  The Pretenders kept pace with baskets from Oliver Lynn and Beau Zaczepinski to get in the “Middle of the Road”.  With the full court press in effect in the second half, the Pretenders shut out their opponent with good defense from Nicholas Chan, that led to points by Liam Desante and Matthew Klass, and then got fourth quarter scoring from Liam Desante and Henry Mack to get within striking distance of taking the lead.  The Styx then relied on good defense by Levi Cogan, and the strong “Blue Collar Man” play of Player of the Game-Kaya Dahukey getting rebounds low, and putting in great scoop shots to hang on to a narrow victory in an exciting match to finish the first day of the regular season.

SAT 10/19/24 WEEKEND #2

Copper

Beatles vs Ants

Mostly Beatles throughout this match as Player of the Game-Kosmos Kavalakis as he had 13 points and 3 assists to go along with 15 rebounds.  His teammates Killian Georgaris had 8 points and two assists, and Rasmus Wolfgang had a bucket.  The Ants got all their scoring in the second quarter from Charley Amos as she had 5 points, and Samuel Sternberg with his “Goody Two Shoes” scored all the Ants second half points with 3 baskets.  The Ants had good defense from Lennon Farag and Raffaele Giordana.  Eventually the Beatles would “Come Together” to claim the victory.

Bronze

Bosses vs Cars

Close first half as the Cars had baskets from Anthony Alliyani and Ignacio Guzman; and the Bosses had baskets from Kiki Moncher who was “Dancing in the Dark”.  In the second half, the Bosses had rebounds from Sophie Ogawa and Canasia Backrein, along with a basket from Adriano Rivera.  The Cars “Let the Good Times Roll” as steals from Hudson Hoff and Esme Chan led to Player of the Game-Jaxon Oxendine made multiple shots off the right side of the backboard to give the Cars the victory.

Stardust vs Suburbs

Defense reigned supreme in this matchup as we had a 1-1 score to end the first half in which tough defense by the Suburbs Owen Wang, and the Stardust Louis Liu and Jonathan West kept the scoring at a minimum with rebounds, along with teammates Haruka Yagi and Landon Schmidt making several steals.  In the second half, the Stardust got points from Max Lind;  however, the Suburbs had a basket each rom Sora Nomoto, Lincoln Sheng, and Player of the Game-Olivia Wang to pull out the narrow victory.

Silver

Mercury vs Specials

The first half was a long distance shooting contest as the Mercury as they said “We Will Rock You” with outside shots made from Tyler Keliddari, Ford MacArthur, Naphat Wattanalaowit, and a “3” from Charlie Koch;  while the had a trey each from Hugo Casarella, George Couvreur, and Julian Garcia, along with dives from Aiden Yousefi and Julian Zambrano as their team took a narrow halftime lead.  The second half saw the Mercury pull slightly ahead as Wyatt Mack and Soren Verleun each made a couple of inside shots;  but the Specials had “Too Much, Too Young” as they got big baskets from Miles Wasson, Billy Casarella, and Player of the Game-Julian Garcia to pull away down the stretch, as they were “Too Much, Too Young”.

Gold

Heartbreakers vs Leppards

The Heartbreakers got out front early with a pair of deuces each from Donavan Freeman, Justin Pfaff, and Finley Provencher.  The Leppards were able to grab the lead back by halftime with baskets by Andrey Sterlyagov, Leo Yaghoubzadeh and Ocean Yaghoubzadeh.  In the second half, the Heartbreakers created turnovers by Quest Dixon, Zachary Law, and Auden Travnikoff to help get closer as Sean Dobbs nailed a ten footer as he said “I Won’t Back Down”.  The Leppards needed a basket each by Azumi Nomotoand Oakley Entsminger, and the hot shooting of Player of the Game-Alexander Melamed as he help to put the game away and give the Leppards the victory as they did the “Rock of Ages”.

Revolution vs Wailers

The Wailers struck first with a big first quarter from Archie Lewis and Krishna Aysola as they had multiple points off of assists from Leon Muenze and Emet Ketai.  The Revolution countered with Rowan O’Neal having 10 first quarter points

As he had multiple offensive rebounds that he put back for points, along with a basket from teammate Finn Duggan.  In the second quarter, the Wailers had rebounds from Niam Pahwas, a basket each from Viggo Mason and Jaxon von Munk-Moran; while the Revolution got Oliver Harris and Jeffrey Records on the scoreboard.  The second half saw the Wailers Buck Jacobs score 8 points which included perfect shooting from the charity stripe.  The Revolution would go onto the victory as Rohan Peddi made a pair of “3”s which was a swish shot from behind the arc and an “And1” conversion, Ellington Litvin would score from an assist by Linus Verleun, and Player of the Game-Rowan O’Neal continued to dominate the boards as the Revolution went onto the win.

Platinum

Stones vs Zeppelins

Low scoring first half with tough defense from both sides;  however, the Zeppelins would get a basket from Brando Israels, an “And1” from Mohamed Dia, and assists and a “3” from Aayan Lakhani; while the Stones had a bucket from Ryan Yousefi and multiple makes from downtown by Cassius Taylor, with the help of Jake Records and Hunter Tito finding him open with their passes.  The score remained close throughout the third quarter as the Zeppelins had a big “3” and a “2” from Kay Roberts, and Stones got points from Lucien Gong and Joshua Edwards as they were “Dancing with Mr. D”.  The fourth quarter saw the Stones pull ahead with a “3” from Oliver Harris, and a basket each from Rohham Taherian and Leonardo Garcia.  But the Zeppelins would show a “Whole Lotta Love” as Kay Roberts and Aayan Lakhani were dishing dimes to Isaac Lynn for a “3”and Player of the Game-Christian Ferew to who not only made two “3”s, but also converted both his free throw in the final seconds to give the Zeppelins the come from behind victory.

Rush vs Aeros

The Aeros started off with double digit first half scoring from Luokang Zhou, a basket from Constantine Avramopoulos Orlandos, and multiple baskets from Ydur Lacadin as they had “Sweet Emotion”.  The Rush were able to find Player of the Game-Dylan Kravitz who was in the “Limelight” as he was on fire from beyond the arc as he had five of his seven “3”s in the first half, and teammate Koa Entsminger added a couple of treys, as they were assisted by Kingston Andes and Auggie Tucker Maxcy.  The Aeros had a strong second half from Ibrahim Ally, Jaden Karayev, and Abdullah Jooma as they each had multiple points.  The Rush would go onto the victory as Alden Wong, Dominic Drew, and Radin Taherian would make the “Limelight” as all scored to lead their team to victory.

SUN 10/20/24

Copper

Scorpions vs Beatles

The Beatles got most of their scoring from Kosmos Kavalakis, but also got Player of the Game-Marlowe Georgaris in the scoring column and he was the assist leader for the match as he gave “A Ticket to Ride”.  The Scorpions chipped away at the big leads that the Beatles had, by getting two baskets each from Harper Gaines, Jones Updegrove, James Wasson, and Issa Ally as they were looking for a “Wind of Change”. In the end, the Beatles held on for the victory as good defense from Rasmus Wolfgang and Desmon Smith saved the day.

Bronze

Vans vs Runaways

At first it looked as if the Runaways were gonna run away with the game as Quentin Dijols and Rver Stanton scored the first couple of baskets as they were “Gettin Hot”;  however, the Vans got rolling and got multiple baskets from Phoenix Volken and Victor Lima Lopes as they were both the recipients of dimes dished by Nathan Stafford, to take the lead at halftime.  In the second half, the Runaways got Lukas Bellodi and Benjamin Kapgan on the scoreboard.  The Vans continued their strong play as Gianna Sabine took the rebounds and went coast to coast to put the biscuit in the basket(hockey term, sorry), and teammates Rohan Henderson, Ray Lyons, and Player of the Game Nathan Stafford got on the scoreboard, thanks to assists from Grace Parry, as the Vans remained undefeated in the division as they rode that Hot shoe, burnin’ down the avenue.

Silver

Madness vs Clash

Madness were a little shorthanded, but made the best of it, as Amarveer Gupta, Knute Haglund, and Sidney duBois provided solid defense, to help get points for Ryder Range and Saum Safavi.  

However, the depth of the lineup for the Clash was strong enough to have 15 points from Lucas Alemayehu, “3”s from Jonas Ketai, points from Beau Bigler, and solid rebounding and shooting from Player of the Game-Adeline Smith, along with every player on the Clash getting a basket to lead the team to the victory as they played well with their “Magnificent Seven”.

Rocketmen vs Police

Close first half as the Police had scoring from Alice Roberts, Declan Wong, and Charlie Kalmbach as they were in “Synchronicity”;  the Rocketman had points from Henry Fyda, Rayden Toteja, and Dylan Read.  The second half saw the Police get a small lead with drives to the hoop for scores from Bobby Drake, rebounds from Griffin Marder, and steals from Cetine Travnikoff.  

The Rocketmen would have a strong fourth quarter with coach Bing and his team becoming “Benny and the Jets” as Max Ambriz gobbled up rebounds to get the ball to Elliot Sheng for scores, and Player of the Game-Dylan Read was dishing out dimes and found an open Josiah Hong for scores that led to the Rocketmen pulling away for the victory.

Gold

Pretenders vs Revolution

The Pretenders dominated the first quarter as Liam Desante and Henry Mack put the rebounds back in for points, and Beau Zaczepinski had the long range missile on target for “3”s;  but, the script was flipped in the second quarter in which the Revolution came out firing with “3”s from Rohan Peddi and Oliver Harris to take the lead at halftime.  In the second half, The Pretenders got Nicholas Chan and Oliver Lynn on the scoreboard with the help of assists from Teo Escalante.  The Revolution were too strong in the second half as Linus Verleun and Rowan O’Neal banked in shots, and Player of the Game-Oliver Harris converted free throws to put the team ahead for good and onto the victory.

Styx vs Heartbreakers

First few points in the match came from Styx, as Jaewon Cho hit a free throw, Siddhant Khanna made shots from the elbow, and Ross Nelson was super hot from downtown as he had the first of three “3”s for the match,as the Styx would “Light Up” the first quarter.  The Heartbreakers took the lead by halftime on the triangle offense of Donavan Freeman, Justin Pfaff, and Auden Travnikoff moving the ball around and finding the open player for scores.  In the second half, the Styx cut into the opponent’s lead as Conrad DiMauro and Kaya Dahukey had treys and assists that put the pressure on the Heartbreakers.  The Heartbreakers would have the “Last Dance with Mary Jane” as they had strong defense from Zachary Law to create turnovers that got the ball to Player of the Game-Auden Travnikoff who found open teammates for scores, including Quest Dixon who made a nice bank shot off the right side, that was key in the Heartbreakers holding on for the victory.

SAT 10/26/24 WEEKEND #3

Copper

Scorpions vs Ants

This match was pretty much all Scorpions as multiple players made assists which included Harper Gaines, Malone Hoevet, Galileo Sarfati, and Jones Updegrove to “No One Like You”.  The Ants did get points from Samuel Sternberg and Lennon Farag, along with steals from Isla Haglund and William Kim who were “Wonderful”.  In the end, the Scorpions won with Player of the Game-Issa Ally leading all scorers with 12 points.

Bronze

Runaways vs Bosses

River Stanton got the Runaways on the scoreboard first, as he sank a 15-footer, followed by a basket by Adam Farghaly as they did a little “Rock and Roll”.  The Runaways got their scoring going with a basket each from Kiki Moncher and Luke Samy to stay close at halftime.  In the second half, the Bosses got rebounds and were “Born to Run” as they got a point from Canasia Backrein, steals from Zachary Cohen, and Cole Lyle made a free throw to get closer.  In the end, the Runaways pulled away with a “3” by Zev Risman, tough defense from Vivienne Bond and Soroya Nawab, and a basket from Player of the Game-Benjamin Kapgan to hold onto the victory.

Silver

Rocketmen vs Madness

The Rocketmen got off to a very good start, as Player of the Game-Henry Fyda had 12 of his game high 19 points in the first half, and teammates Elliot Sheng, Kilian Georgaris, and Dylan Read each had a couple of buckets to build a big lead as they said “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”.  The Madness kept pace with Ryder Range making a deuce, a trey, and a pair of frees.  In the second half, Madness got steals from Sidney duBois that led to points by Bodhi Petitti to get closer.  In the end, the Rocketmen got Qiao Ren and Rayden Toteja on the scoreboard to keep the lead for good.

Clash vs Mercury

Close battle throughout the first half as the Mercury had a “3” from Charlie Koch, and baskets from Soren Verleun and Ford MacArthur;  the Clash had field goals from Lucas Alemayehu, Otis Smith, and Alex Blondheim.  The second half saw the Mercury get steals from Tyler Keliddari to get the ball to Naphat Wattanalaowit for scores “Under Pressure”;  however, the Clash had a scoring surge as Rocco Tomas made an outside shot, Jonas Ketai drove to the hoop for scores, Beau Bigler banked it in for a score, and Player of the Game-Mateo Chan made three key buckets as they rode that “Train in Vain” to victory.

Police vs Specials

Defense controlled the first quarter, as the Police said “Don’t Stand so Close to Me” as Maximus Arhinful and Xavier Shine were blocking shots; the Specials had Miles Wasson and Rodrigo Padron preventing penetration into the lane as they used a “Gangsters” style defense.  The second quarter had more scoring as the Specials had floaters go in from George Couvreur, Loren Garner making drives to the hoop, and William Holt with a deuce and a trey;  the Police had couple of buckets from Griffin Marder and Anthony Winkler, and “3”s from Charlie Kalmbach.  In the second half, the specials got Julian Zambrano on the scoreboard with a basket, and Aiden Yousefi made several pickpocket steals.  However, the Police were able to lock down the defense with Cetine Travnikoff forcing turnovers to get the ball up to Player of the Game-Declan Wong who led the match in points and assists to give their team the victory.

Gold

Leppards vs Wailers

The Wailers won the first half with their “Jamming” from the hot shooting of Krishna Aysola who was swishing in all his shots from inside and outside the arc, and teammates Zayd Sharif and Leon Muenze each had a basket.  The Leppards stayed within striking distance as Alexander Melamed and Ocean Yaghoubzadeh made baskets.  In the second half, the Wailers extended their lead with a “3” from Buck Jacobs, and field goals from Viggo Mason;  but the Leppards would save their best for last with “Hysteria”, as Olivia Ruiz converted free throws, Oakley Entsminger made a timely shot from 12 feet out, and Player of the Game-Andrey Sterlyagov drained a couple of treys from long distance to pull ahead in the final minutes of the match and hold on for the victory.

Pretenders vs Heartbreakers

First half scoring for the Heartbreakers came from Diego Gonzalez who was “Running Down a Dream” as he was the recipient of assists from Zachary Law;  the Pretenders had a couple of “3”s from Matthew Klass as he benefited from Nathanaiel Wallano pushing the ball up the court to find him open beyond the arc.  The second half saw the Heartbreakers get a basket each from Sean Dobbs, Zachary Law, and Justin Pfaff;  the Pretenders were able to get a lead late with a “3” from Beau Zaczepinski, and a basket from Oliver Lynn.  The Heartbreakers tied it up with a “3” from Donavan Freeman;  however, in the final minutes, Player of the Game-Liam Desante grabbed multiple rebounds to put back in for points that gave the Pretenders the victory in a close contest with some “Brass in Pocket”

Platinum

Aeros vs Stones

The Stones were a little short on players, so they recruited Gold division player Liam Desante and Platinum player Radin Taherian to at least get the five needed to compete.  The Stones got a large first half lead as Oliver Harris and Cassius Taylor scored multiple points;  as the Aeros kept pace with baskets and free throws from Rowan Booher.  In the third quarter, the defensive pressure by Aeros Jaden Karayev and Ibrahim Ally led to points by Abdullah Jooma and Luokong Zhou to take a big lead at the end of the quarter as they “Walk this Way”.  As the fourth quarter started, the Aeros added more points by Diego Gonzales and Player of the Game-Ydur Lacadin to build the lead up.  The Stones wouldn’t give up, as Rohham Taherian hit a “3” and his brother Radin Taherian made a bucket.  In the final seconds of the match, the game’s high scorer and Player of the Game-Cassius Taylor took it upon himself to drive the lane and put up a floater to “Hang Fire” as time expired, and it went in for the tie, thus everyone went home happy.

SUN 10/27/24

Bronze

Suburbs vs Cars

Close first half as the Suburbs got scoring from Josephine Carey and Lincoln Sheng;  the Cars had a “3” from Jaxon Oxendine, and a basket each from Matthew Alemayehu and Anthony Alliyani.  The second half saw the Suburbs get field goals from Kostas Beer, Olivia Wang and Owen Wang who was the “Monster Man” to take a small lead, and Devraj Karwal and Decker Zaczepinski would get rebounds;  the Cars were able to get the lead back with key rebounds from Rachel Lao and Ignacio Guzman that led to baskets by Esme Chan, Greysen Lovett, and Player of the Game-Anthony Alliyani that allowed them to hang on for the victory to give them “Just What I Needed”.

Vans vs Stardust

The first half was similar to a rugby match with scrums, mauls, and lineouts in which defense reigned supreme as the Vans had Rocco deTray and Tyler Enayati stopping the dribblers;  The Stardust had Haruka Yagi and Sweden Walsh stealing the ball.  The first half ended 0-0, the only time that I can remember any match being scoreless in the first half since I have been running this program with so many “Jump” balls.  Stardust took the lead in the third quarter as Corbin Strock made a basket on an assist from Louis Liu as they said “Let’s Dance”.  The score remained 2-0 going into the final minutes, and it looked as if the Stardust may hang on for the victory.  The Vans made a strong push in the final minutes as Grace Parry and Gianna Sabine powered their way for rebounds that they put back in for baskets, and teammate and Player of the Game-Phoenix Volken made a timely outside shot to give their team the narrow victory in a close battle that featured great defense by both sides.

Copper

Ants vs Beatles

This match was used as a training match for “Make if Official” which supplies referees for our older divisions.  Because this was a training match, both teams received a victory.  The Ants had scoring from Player of the Game-Samuel Sternberg and great defense from Player of the Game-Desmon Smith;  the Beatles had scoring form Marlow Georgaris and Kosmos Kavalakis, as Player of the Game-Rasmus Wolfgang assisted them on many of their baskets.  Special thanks to Killian Georgaris, Elliot Sheng, Lincoln Sheng, and Owen Wang for helping the Copper kids in this special match as the referees would “Stand and Deliver” and “Let it Be”

Gold

Wailers vs Styx

The Styx had first half scoring from Conrad DiMauro and Siddhant Khanna as they were “Rock’n the Paradise”; the Wailers had multiple points from Krishna Aysola, Buck Jacobs, and Archie Lewis to take the halftime lead.  In the second half, the Styx got closer as Elliot Israels made a basket, and Kaya Dahukey had a trey, a deuce, and a pair of free throws.  The Wailers would be too strong down the stretch as Zayd Sharif scored and Player of the Game-Leon Muenze was the leading scorer and rebounder for the match to give their team the victory as he said “Could You Be Loved”

Revolution vs Leppards

The Leppards had only four players , but they would make the best of it and “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and got the first half lead on baskets by Alexander Melamed and Ocean Yaghoubzadeh;  while the Revolutions kept pace with baskets by Ellington Litvin and Theodore Edelman as they were assisted by Jeffrey Records and Linus Verleun.  In the second half, the Revolution had good “Delirious: defense from Rohan Peddi who made steals to find Rowan O’Neal down low for inside baskets to get closer;  but the Leppards would continue to move to ball around effectively as Player of the Match-Leo Yaghoubzadeh made shots from beyond the arc, and teammate and Player of the Match-Olivia Ruiz was the high scorer with 18 points in which 8 of her points came from the charity stripe, as their team went onto the victory.

Platinum

Zeppelins vs Rush

Tied after the first quarter as the Rush had field goals from Koa Entsminger, Kai Halpert, and Alden Wong;  the Zeppelins had a strong first quarter from Noah Michael as he had his inside game going.  The Zeppelins were able to get ahead before halftime as Chloe Scofield and Aayan Lakhani scored, and Kay Roberts exploded for 10 points in the quarter including a pair of treys.  The Zeppelins continued to build on their lead as Aayan Lakhani and Noah Michael scored multiple points;  but the Rush would get back as Kingston Andes made three drives in a row, and Dylan Kravitz made four ‘3’s to draw closer, but in the final minute of the match, the Zeppelins got a basket from Christopher Carnes and a key basket with two made free throws from Player of the Game-Kay Roberts to have their team “Bring it on Home” to remain the only undefeated team in the Platinum division.

SAT 11/2/24 WEEKEND #4 

Copper

Scorpions vs Ants

The Ants Samuel Sternberg would get the scoring started as he made a quick basket to give his team the lead, and teammates Raffaele Giordana and Petra Baselga Puig provided good defense to play “Ant Music”.  The Scorpions eventually turned it on and got their scoring going with baskets from “The Zoo”  of Harper Gaines, James Edelman, Galiel Sarfati, and Issa Ally to get the lead by halftime.  In the second half, Samuel Sternberg got his Ants closer as he continued to score;  however, good defense by Malone Hoevet and Soraya Karwal helped to keep the Scorpions ahead for good to save the victory.

Bronze

Vans vs Suburbs

A matchup of two top teams in the division.  Defense was in order for the first quarter, as neither team scored.  The Vans managed to get the lead at halftime with the great combo of Victor Lima Lopes and Phoenix Volken in which they converted steals to points with long court passes to each other for transition buckets.  The Vans extended their lead in the third quarter as Ray Lyons put a hand shot in, and Gianna Sabine made a couple coast to coast drives to the hoop for scores.  It looked as if the Vans would stay undefeated and the “Cradle Would Rock”, but never count a team out, because the Suburbs would go on an incredible 10-0 run that would include baskets from Olivia Wang and Owen Wang, a perfect 4 for 4 free throws from Kostas Beer, and the biggest points and assists from Sora Nomoto who was able to find the ball with seconds left to get the shot off before the buzzer sounded, and ball went off the backboard and in for the win, in the most dramatic ending to a nail biter finish.  The Suburbs pulled off the win, and Sora Nomoto earned Player of the Game honors in helping her team become the new first place team in the division, after all “Love is the Law”.

Cars vs Runaways

First half mostly belonged to the Cars as Anthony Alliyani did most of the scoring from assists by Ignacio Guzman;  the Runaways kept pace with baskets from Quentin Dijols and good defensive play from Lukas Bellodi and Zev Risman.  In the third quarter, the Cars extended their lead with rebounds from Ella Sands and Alexander Wolf to help get points from Jaxon Oxendine and Player of the Game-Esme Chan as they were in “Cruiser” mode.  The fourth quarter saw a furious comeback from the Runaways as Zayden Diaz stole the ball to get to Zayden Rashid for a couple of baskets, and just as the final buzzer went off, Player of the Game-River Stanton hit the game tying “Magic” bucket to make the match a draw.

Silver

Clash vs Police

The Clash took the early lead on baskets from Mateo Chan and Rocco Tomas;  while the Police kept close with a basket from Maximus Arhinful as he was assisted by Cetine Travnikoff.  The Clash got the halftime lead on field goals from Jonas Ketai, Adeline Smith, Oliver Farrar, and free throws made by Alex Blondheim as they would decide “Should I Stay or Should I Go”.  

The Police were able to take a one point lead at the end of the third quarter, as Declan Wong made several baskets and multiple assists, and then going down the stretch of the fourth quarter, teammates Alice Roberts, Griffin Marder, and Anthony Winkler made key baskets to take a small lead which they were able to hold on as Player of the Game-Ray Song led all scorers with 13 points, as she saved most of her scoring for the final minutes of the game to give the Police the victory with “Every Breath You Take”.

Mercury vs Rocketmen

The Rocketmen blasted off in the first half with scoring from Henry Fyda, Dylan Read, Oliver Williams, and Player of the Game-Elliot Sheng.  The Mercury had a first half basket from Naphat Wattanalaowit “The Invisible Man”, as he was assisted by his sister Natcha Wattanalaowit.  In the second half, the Mercury got more scoring with a “3” from Charlie Koch, and a basket from Soren Verleun.  The Rocketmen kept flying high as Max Ambriz and Killian Georgaris made assists to their teammates, as they cruised onto the victory and said “I’m Still Standing”

Specials vs Madness

Madness put on a maddening defense and shutout their opponent in the first half, as Pablo Gonzalez and Knute Haglund locked down the defense, as they went “One Step and Beyond”.  The Specials finally got their scoring going in the second half, as Billy Casarella made a basket and assisted Rahm Kapgan for his “3”.  The Specials also got solid rebounding from Julian Zambrano, and steals from Loren Garner with their “Ghost Town” defense.  The Madness had scoring from Bodhi Petititi, Ryder Range, and Bodhi Kothari to build a small lead in the beginning of the fourth quarter, and then eventually pulled away as Player of the Game-Saum Safavi was strong down the stretch with drives to the hoop, and dimes to his teammates, as his team went onto the victory.

Gold

Wailers vs Heartbreakers

The Heartbreakers jumped out to the early lead with baskets from Donavan Freeman, Finley Provencher, and Auden Travnikoff, all courtesy of well executed passes from Player of the Game-Zachary Law.  The Wailers stayed even with their opponent in the second quarter as Buck Jacobs made floaters in the lane, and Krishna Aysola converted an “And1” or “One Love”.  In the third quarter, the Heartbreakers had a basket each from Judah Hong and Zachary Law, and Diego Gonzalez made multiple field goals that included a deep “3”.  The Wailers did their best to catch their opponent in the fourth quarter by shutting them out, and getting a basket from Leon Muenze, and free throws from Zayd Sharif;  however it wasn’t enough to catch the Heartbreakers who gave “The Best of Everything” and held on for the victory.

Platinum

Zeppelins vs Aeros

The Zeppelins won the first quarter with baskets from Chloe Scofield, and treys from Christian Ferew; the Aeros won the second quarter with “3”s from Diego Gonzalez and Ydur Lacadin, and baskets from Ibrahim Ally and Rowan Booher to make it close at halftime.  The third quarter saw the Zeppelins get downtown swish treys from Kay Roberts, and a basket from Christopher Carnes;  the Aeros had a basket from Jaden Karayev as he was assisted by Constantine Avramopoulos Orlandos to stay close.  The fourth quarter had the Zeppelins build a small lead as Player of the Game-Mohamed Dia had most of his points with drives to the hoop;  however, the Aeros fought back, as Player of the Game-Luokang Zhou put his motor into high gear and went coast to coast for baskets to tie the match.  After mad scrambles in the final seconds and things going “Crazy”, nobody could get a good final shot off, and the match ended in a draw which was the second draw on this Saturday of match play, and both teams would “Ramble On”

SUN 11/3/24

Copper

Beatles vs Scorpions

The Scorpions got the lead for the first three quarters as Harper Gaines, Issa Ally, James Edelman, and Galiel Sarfati each had baskets, and Soraya Karwal was creating steals to help keep the lead as they “Rock You Like a Hurricane”.  But somehow, the Beatles found a way to pull it out, as Marlowe Georgaris made a bucket, Rasmus Wolfgang got key rebounds, Kosmos Kavalakis scored points, Benjamin Vaisburd had a few steals, and Player of the Game Lorenzo Anis Billimani played exceptional defense to help his team come back late to snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat and say “I am the Walrus…goo-goo g’joob, g’goo goo g’joob”.

Bronze

Stardust vs Bosses

Stardust did all the scoring in the first half with baskets from Lior Vaisburd, Landon Schmidt, and Player of the Game-Max Lind who had his moment of “Fame”.  The Bosses had a “Hungry Heart” and got their scoring going in the second half as Adriano Rovira made some nice outside shots from the right corner, and Canasia Backrein converted free throws, while Hendrix Gross and August Axster Bingham made several steals and Kora Kourouma grabbed rebounds.  The Stardust held on for the victory, as Louis Liu and Corbin Strock each added a basket, and Haruka Yagi was tough on defense.

Silver

Specials vs Clash

The Clash clamped onto the early lead as Oscar Farrar got hot with three consecutive makes from just inside the arc, and Otis Smith and Lucas Alemayehu each had a basket.  The Specials countered with a “3” from Hugo Casarella, baskets by Julian Zambrano, and a free throw from Miles Wasson.  In the second half, the Clash got Jonas Ketai and Krsna Pathak on the scoreboard, and looked as if they were not going to be caught;  however, the Specials put on the “Pressure Drop” in the fourth quarter as Goerge Couvreur scored a driving basket, William Holt made a couple of turnaround jumpers, and Rahm Kapgan got a bucket, and the score would be tied.  In the final seconds, Player of the Game-Lucas Alemayehu had “London Calling” and converted free throws to give the Clash the narrow victory, but a great effort by both sides.

Gold

Revolution vs Styx

Styx started the scoring with baskets from Jaewon Cho and Conrad DiMauro with the “Renegade” style;  the Revolution drew even with baskets from Rowan O’Neal and Linus Verleun, and then took a small lead at halftime with a strong second quarter of multiple bank makes from Theodore Edelman.  The Styx cut into the lead in the second half with a “3” from Ross Nelson, and multiple cross the lane floaters from Kaya Dahukey, and steals from Edward Mahan and Spencer Nelson;  however, the Revolution would diversify their scoring as Finn Duggan had a couple of makes, Jeffrey Records put a rebound back in for a score, and Player of the Game-Theodore Edelman continued to attack the basket for “Pearls and Diamonds” to give their team the victory.

Leppards vs Pretenders

First half scoring for the Pretenders came from Matthew Klass, Henry Mack, and Nathanaiel Wallano;  the Leppards had “Photograph” multiple points from Olivia Ruiz and Ocean Yaghoubzadeh to take the lead at halftime, with the help or rebounds from Ava Katz.  In the second half, the Pretenders had strong defensive pressure  from Nicholas Chan and Liam Desante to create turnovers in which Beau Zaczepinski and Matthew Klass converted into points with “Time the Avenger”.  The Leppards spread the scoring around as Andrey Sterlyagov made several points courtesy of assists from Alexander Melamed and Oakley Entsminger, and Player of the Game Azumi Nomoto scored baskets and grabbed the most rebounds as the Leppards went onto the victory to remain the only undefeated team in the Gold division.

Platinum

Rush vs Stones

This was a back and forth affair from start to finish.  The first quarter saw the Stones  “Start it Up” with “3”s from Lucien Fong and Leonardo Garcia;  the Rush got a “3” from Alden Wong, and baskets from Kingston Andes and Radin Taherian.  The second quarter had the Rush use their big man, Kai Halpert, down low to put turnaround jumpers in;  while the Stones got baskets from Cassius Taylor and Joshua Edwards.  

The back and forth continued throughout the third quarter as the Rush had Dylan Kravitz get hot from beyond the arc as he hit a couple of treys as “Freewill” courtesy of assists from Augie Tucker Maxcy;  the Stones got Oliver Harris to score to tie it up at the end of the third frame.  The fourth quarter went at a frantic pace with teams exchanging shots, as the Rush got the lead in the final minute as Player of the Game-Kai Halpert continued his dominance down low putting rebounds back in for points;  however, the Stones would tie it up again with Player of the Game-Liam Adams making the outside 12-footer.  With frenzy play in the final seconds, nobody could find the hoop, and we ended up with the third draw of the weekend, and for the first time in the history of the program, all Platinum games in a weekend ended in a tie.  They say a tie is like “Kissing your sister”, so a lot of siblings received kisses this weekend.

SAT 11/9/24 WEEKEND #5 

Bronze

Suburbs vs Runaways

The Suburbs struck first as Owen Wang put the ball off the backboard from a nice assist by Kostas Beer, then a similar combination play of Kostas Beer getting his first bucket off of a nice dime from Sora Nomoto who then later scored multiple baskets, and her teammate Olivia Wang did the same, so their team took a good lead at halftime.  The Runaways would get on track in the second half as Zayden Rashid and Quentin Dijols would score, as they got help from teammates Vivienne Bond and Lukas Bellodi who were grabbing g rebounds and pushing the ball up the floor.  The Suburbs would maintain their lead till the end for the victory, as Clara Cowan would steal the ball and get it to Grayson Wells and Player of the Game-Owen Wang for scores.

Vans vs Bosses

Strong first half from the Vans with points from Kris Peddi and Tyler Enyati as they were assisted by Victor Lima Lopes and Nathan Stafford with their long bomb passes for touchdowns to “Jump” out to a big lead.  The Bosses picked it up in the second half, with a little “Cover Me” defense, in which Zachary Cohen and Cole Lyle got the ball, and were able to find Luke Samy and Benjamin Bloom for scores, and Canadian Backrein got rebounds to find an open Adriano Rovira who sank long distance shots.  The Vans would eventually pull away, as Rohan Henderson and Player of the Game-Rocco deTray were finding Gianna Sabine and Phoenix Volken for more scores, as they were slinging darts through players to get them good shots.

Stardust vs Cars

The Stardust got on the scoreboard in the first half with baskets from Lior Vaisburd and free throws from Louis Liu.  But the Cars took the lead at halftime with Anthony Alliyani and Jaxon Oxendine scoring.  In the second half, the Stardust got closer with field goals from Landon Schmidt and Sweden Walsh, with the help of tough defense from Corbin Strock.  The Cars put it into “Drive” as good defense from Rachel Lao and Hudson Hoff led to Player of the Game-Ignacio Guzman scoring points to give the Cars “Just What I Needed” for the victory.

Copper

Beatles vs Ants

Mostly Beatles in this match as Kosmos Kavalakis, Rasmus Wolfgang, Marlowe Georgaris, and Player of the Game-Jacob Glass scored, and Luca D’Angelo provided good defense.  The Ants did get scoring from Raffaele Giordana, Lennon Farag, and Samuel Sternberg as they were helped by Isla Haglund and Ethan Cohen on defense, to get a little closer but not close enough, and the Beatles would go onto the victory.

Silver

Madness vs Mercury

The Mercury started the match with “Don’t Stop Me Now” as they took the lead with baskets from Naphat Wattanalaowit and Nawat Wattanalaowit, as they were assisted by Natch Wattanalaowit and Ford MacArthur.  The Madness would get the lead by halftime as free throws were kind to them as Bodhi Petitti, Amarveer Gupta, Marcel Jimenez, Bodhi Kothari, Saum Safavi, and Pablo Gonzalez all scored from the charity stripe.  The Mercury sort of said “I Want to Break Free” and cut into the Madness lead in the second half as Tyler Keliddari and Teddy Millman would score;  however, Rex Bulette would get a basket, and Player of the Game-Ryder Range would lead all scorers to have the Madness say this is “Our House” as they extended the lead to go onto the victory.

Specials vs Rocketmen

The Specials would make shots from as far as “Ghost Town” as George Couveeur and Hugo Casarella would make the treys and send a “Message to Rudy”.  The Rocketmen would say “I’m Still Standing” and did a little “Bennie and the Jets” and flew to the basket with layups from Player of the Game-Henry Fyda, Dylan Read, and Elliot Sheng.  The Rocketmen would also get a bucket from Sadie Bellavia just before the halftime buzzer, and were looking good at halftime with the lead.  The Specials had strong rebounding in the second half from Rodrigo Padron and Miles Wasson, and Aiden Yousefi made the scoring column to get closer.  The Rocketmen pulled away in the fourth quarter as Oliver Williams and Killian Georgaris scored to put their team ahead for good.

Gold

Pretenders vs Wailers

It really wasn’t a “Mystery Achievement” that got the Pretenders a huge first half lead, it was some “Brass in Pocket” defense from Caleb Ong and David Yonatan that led to multiple points from Liam Desante and Matthew Klass to build a big cushion that was further enhanced by Henry Mack and Player of the Game-Nicholas Chan scoring and making assists to keep that cushion till the end.  However, the Wailers had a strong second half with baskets from the “Three Little Birds” Leon Muenze, Zayd Sharif, and Buck Jacobs as Harrison Bond was assisting them by finding them open, and the Wailers won the battle of the second half to show they can compete.

Styx vs Leppards

For the first three quarters, the Leppards would have Andrey Sterlyagov and Ocean Yaghoubzadeh “Pour Some Sugar on Me” as they lit it up from beyond the arc to have the lead.  But it wasn’t as if the Styx had “Too Much Time on My Hands” as they kept chipping away at the lead as Kaya Dahukey made several baskets from assists by Conrad DiMauro, and Ross Nelson and Jack Meyer each had a couple swish shots; and before you knew it, the Styx had the lead with only seconds to go.  But a key bucket by Oakley Entsminger and a timely “3” by Player of the Game-Ocean Yaghoubzadeh in the final seconds would give the Leppards a one point victory, and still stay undefeated in the division.

Heartbreakers vs Revolution

Neck and Neck for the first three quarter that saw the Heartbreakers get a “3” from Sean Dobbs, a basket from Quest Dixon, multiple points from Diego Gonzalez as they were assisted by Zachary Law and Judah Hong, and solid rebounding from Jacob Hyatt; while the Revolution had multiple points from Oliver Harris, Rowan O’Neal, and Finn Dugan.  When the fourth quarter started, the Revolution would get “Delirious” and “Let’s Go Crazy” on defense as Ellington Litvin, Rohan Peddi, and Player of the Game would not only make steals, but get points to pull away and control the fourth frame for the victory.

SUN 11/10/24

Copper

Scorpions vs Beatles

The Beatles got points from Marlow Georgaris and Rasmus Wolfgang, and good defense from Jacob Glass and Rayan Parekh(as he played for both sides);  however, this would be all Scorpions as Galiel Sarfati, Harper Gaines, Jones Updegrove, and Player of the Game-James Wasson would lead all scorers, and good defense by James Edelman, Ronan Sundher, and Malone Hoevet would make sure the Scorpions would go wire to wire with the lead and win easily.

Silver

Rocketmen vs Clash

The Clash won the battle of the first half with the brother-sister combo of Otis Smith and Adeline Smith each scoring a turnaround basket, and Lucas Alemayehu and Oscar Farrar making outside shots.  The Rocketmen stayed close with Henry Fyda making multiple drives to the hoop for scores as teammate Dylan Read kept finding him in transition.  The Rocketmen would take the lead by the end of the third quarter as Elliot Sheng and Judah Hong would score thanks to good rebounding from Max Ambriz and steals from Qiao Ren.  The Clash would tried to take the lead back in the fourth quarter as Jonas Ketai had more dimes than a meter maid as he found Krsna Pathak and Mateo Chan open for them to receive passes to then put them in the hoop for scores putting the opponents defense in a “Should I Stay or Should I Go” position; however, the Rocketmen would figure it out, and pull away in the end as Oliver Williams and Player of the Game-Rayden Toteja would score with a little “Crocodile Rock” and give the team the victory to catapult them to first place in the division.

Police vs Mercury

Mercury had a basket in the first half, from Tyler Keliddari;  while the Police went “Bombs Away” as they had Bobby Drake, Griffin Marder, and Ray Song nailing their shots from distance.  The Mercury were able to put the Police “Under Pressure” in the second half as Wyatt Mack, Kingston Sundher, and Auggie Friedman created turnovers to get the ball to Soren Verleun and Teddy Millman for scores, and the Mercury cut into the lead of the Police.  However, the Police stayed in “Synchronicity” as they were able to break the press and Emma Escoto, Charlie Kalmbach, and Alice Roberts were able to score, thanks to great defense and assists by Player of the Game-Cetine Travnikoff.  The Police got further scoring from Declan Wong, and an “And1” from Xavier Shine to go onto the victory, and get closer to the top of the division.

Gold

Heartbreakers vs Pretenders

Strong start for the Heartbreakers as they were a little like a “Refugee” as they scrambled for loose balls to get transition points from Auden Travnikoff and Judah Hong.  The Pretenders got “Back on the Chain Gang” with rebound putbacks by Lian Desante and Henry Mack, and a basket each from Caleb Ong and Nathanaiel Wallano to get the halftime lead.  In the second half, the Heartbreakers had pressure defense that created turnovers that led to free throws made by Zachary Law, a bucket from Quest Dixon, and a pair of “3”s from Donavan Freeman.  The Pretenders were able to stay even in scoring in the second half to preserve their lead till the end as Beau Zaczepinski and Player of the Game-Matthew Klass would make treys from long distance to were nothing but net until the sunset, on another victory for their team.

Platinum

Aeros vs Rush

The Aeros got the halftime lead on a pair of treys from Diego Gonzalez, driving layups by Rowan Booher, and rebounds from Jaden Karayev;  the Rush kept pace with “3”s from Augie Tucker Maxcy and Koa Entsminger, as they were assisted by Alden Wong.  In the third quarter, the Rush got the lead with baskets from Dylan Kravitz and Kingston Andes, and were able to extend the lead slightly in the fourth quarter as Shai Painter and Dominic Drew made steals, and Brendan Still grabbed rebounds to get the ball up the court to Kingston Andes and Daniel Freeman as they drove to the hoop for scores, and was as fast as a “Red Barchetta”  The Aeros would turn it up in the final minutes of the match, as Ydur Lacadin would put in floaters, and Player of the Game-Louis Meehan Smith would take over with blocks, rebounds, steals, and a late basket to give the Aeros the come from behind victory in the final minutes of the match putting them “Back in the Saddle” for the race to the top of the division.

Zeppelins vs Stones

Tight first half as the Stones would get a basket each from Maximiliano Flores, Dylan Zyndel, and Joshua Edwards;  the Zeppelins would get points from Chloe Scofield and Brandon Israels, and rebounds from Kamden King.  The match continued to go back and forth throughout the second half, as the Stones would have “Wild Horses” Leonardo Garcia and Liam Adams grab rebounds and put them back in for points, Cassius Taylor got hot from beyond the arc with a couple of treys, and Maximiliano Flores kept finding open spots to get the ball and bank shots in.  With the Zeppelins down late in the game, they resorted to great distribution of the ball as assists came from Mohamed Dia, Misha Lakhani, and Isaac Lynn, as they moved it around to find Player of the Game-Aayan Lakhani open for “3”s, and Brandon Israels as he drove to the hoop for scores.  Then in the final moments of the match, Kay Roberts got the pass from Aayan Lakhani, and she nailed the long triple, and the Zeppelins got the victory, and “Ramble On’ as they remain atop of the division.

This Issue’s Profile

Each issue of the Swish has a profile of a coach, player, or someone in the program who inspires all of us involved in Santa Monica YMCA youth basketball.  

This issue’s profile is of the Strock family.  Jodi and Justin have been coaches in our program, and their son Corbin has been a player for the past couple of years.  Jodi and Justin teach their players all the necessary skills and techniques to succeed on the court, but they also emphasize teamwork through a positive reinforcement approach that helps their players not only feel good about themselves, but also to know that they are succeeding.  Corbin is well liked by his teammates, and vastly improves with each season.  Together, the entire family shows what our youth basketball program is all about with their enthusiasm and support.

I asked the Strock family, a few questions for the Swish:

DocDrew:  What is your favorite thing about youth basketball at the Santa Monica Family YMCA?

Justin: I enjoy watching the kids celebrate after every basket as if they just won a championship. I enjoy watching the players grow and develop as basketball players and friends. 

Jodi: I love watching the kids bond as a team and feel a sense of community. 

Corbin: There are fair teams and you can go to the Y almost whenever you want.

DocDrew:  Who is your favorite player or coach, and why? 

Justin: Phil Jackson as a coach bc he was truly respected by all of his players and he managed some really big egos during his coaching tenure.

Corbin: LeBron James. Because he has broken every record. And because he is kind.

Jodi: I am inspired by so many athletes who use their platform to support a more compassionate and equitable world. I have recently been inspired by Napheesa Collier of the WNBA Lynx. She is a mother to a young child, a fierce advocate for this planet and the beings that inhabit it, and she happens to be an amazing basketball player.

DocDrew:  What hobbies, activities, or other sports do you like to do?

Justin: volleyball, soccer, tennis, running, yoga, poker, family time in nature, and travel.

Corbin: soccer, handball, Pokémon card collecting, board games with family and volleyball.

Jodi: I love being a mama to my kiddos, am a long time yogi and meditator and enjoy any form of land stewardship. I love hiking and spending time in nature. I also love leading Relational Mindfulness retreats and workshops. Getting to connect deeply with others on behalf of personal and collective healing/change is humbling and fulfilling. And I am so fortunate to absolutely love what I chose as my career.

We are very fortunate to have the Strock family be part of our youth basketball program, as they help all their players with teamwork, positive reinforcement, and instill an enjoyment to play youth sports.  We look forward to many more years of seeing Corbin grow up in the program, and for Jodi and Justin to inspire more of our future generation.

Scores

SUN 10/13/24 WEEKEND #1

Bronze

Runaways 19, Stardust 20

Cars 14, Vans 17 

Bosses 6, Suburbs 20

Silver

Clash 36, Rocketmen 19

Police 14, Madness 32

Gold

Styx 32, Pretenders 28

SAT 10/19/24 WEEKEND #2

Copper

Beatles 21, Ants 11

Bronze

Bosses 6, Cars 17

Stardust 3, Suburbs 7

Silver

Mercury 23, Specials 29

Gold

Heartbreakers 23, Leppards 33

Revolution 43, Wailers 30

Platinum

Stones 31, Zeppelins 33

Rush 71, Aeros 46

SUN 10/20/24

Copper

Scorpions 16, Beatles 19

Bronze

Vans 36, Runaways 13

Silver

Madness 14, Clash 41

Rocketmen 34, Police 27

Gold

Pretenders 20, Revolution 35

Styx 29, Heartbreakers 34

SAT 10/26/24 WEEKEND #3

Copper

Scorpions 31, Ants 2

Bronze

Runaways 13, Bosses 8

Silver

Rocketmen 37, Madness 13

Clash 34, Mercury 18

Police 30, Specials 18

Gold

Leppards 31, Wailers 28

Pretenders 24, Heartbreakers 20

Platinum

Aeros 38, Stones 38

SUN 10/27/24

Copper

Ants vs Beatles

Both teams received a victory, Training match for referees

Bronze

Suburbs 14, Cars 19

Vans 8, Stardust 2

Gold

Wailers 29, Styx 17

Revolution 21, Leppards 41

Platinum

Zeppelins 54, Rush 49

SAT 11/2/24 WEEKEND #4 

Copper

Scorpions 28, Ants 6

Bronze

Vans 14, Suburbs 16

Cars 18, Runaways 18

Silver

Clash 24, Police 29

Mercury 7, Rocketmen 29

Specials 6, Madness 15

Gold

Wailers 17, Heartbreakers 28

Platinum

Zeppelins 37, Aeros 37

SUN 11/3/24

Copper

Beatles 14, Scorpions 12

Bronze

Stardust 13, Bosses 7

Silver

Specials 18, Clash 20

Gold

Revolution 33, Styx 19

Leppards 41, Pretenders 26

Platinum

Rush 40, Stones 40

SAT 11/9/24 WEEKEND #5 

Bronze

Suburbs 26, Runaways 12

Vans 30, Bosses 8

Stardust 13, Cars 20

Copper

Beatles 40, Ants 14

Silver

Madness 32, Mercury 13

Specials 14, Rocketmen 31

Gold

Pretenders 33, Wailers 15

Styx 24, Leppards 25

Heartbreakers 22,  Revolution 30

SUN 11/10/24

Copper

Scorpions 40, Beatles 19

Silver

Rocketmen 37, Clash 30

Police 33, Mercury 10

Gold

Heartbreakers 18, Pretenders 28

Platinum

Aeros 44, Rush 39

Zeppelins 33, Stones 31

Standings:  

Teams are awarded 5 points for a win, 3 points for a tie, 1 point for a loss, 0 points for a forfeit.  Tournament games have greater point value.  Teams are listed in their place in the standings with W-L-T and team points.

Copper:  

Beatles 4-1-0, 21 points

Scorpions 3-2-0, 17 points

Ants 1-4-0, 9 points

Bronze: 

Suburbs 4-1-0, 21 points

(1-0-0 vs Vans)

Vans 4-1-0, 21 points

Cars 3-1-1, 19 points

Stardust 2-3-0, 13 points

Runaways 1-3-1, 11 points

Bosses 0-5-0, 5 points

Silver:  

Rocketmen 5-1-0, 26 points

Clash 4-2-0, 22 points

Madness 3-2-0, 17 points

(1-0-0 vs Police)

Police 3-2-0, 17 points

Specials 1-4-0, 9 points

Mercury 0-5-0, 5 points

Gold:

Leppards 5-0-0, 25 points

Revolution 4-1-0, 21 points

Pretenders 3-3-0, 18 points

Heartbreakers 2-4-0, 14 points

Wailers 1-4-0, 9 points

(1-0-0 vs Styx)

Styx 1-4-0, 9 points

Platinum:

Zeppelins 3-0-1, 18 points

Aeros 1-1-2, 12 points

Rush 1-2-1, 10 points

Stones 0-2-2, 8 points

Thank you very much, to all the coaches, parents, players, and referees.  Special thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation for partnering with the Santa MonIca Family YMCA youth basketball program.

Dr. Paul Drew, youth basketball coordinator at the Santa Monica Family YMCA, editor and publisher of Swish